📰 Nonprofit News Media
A guide to independent public service journalism in a time of pressing change
Why this matters
Across the United States, traditional local news outlets are shrinking or disappearing. Newspapers are closing, TV and radio newsrooms are cutting staff, and many communities no longer have a reliable source of news about local government, schools, or public safety.
At the same time, public trust in the news media has been shaken by political polarization, corporate consolidation, and an explosion of online misinformation.
In response, a growing number of nonprofit newsrooms are stepping in—offering solutions journalism that is mission-driven, community-rooted, and committed to public service. These independent outlets report stories that matter to the communities they serve, hold institutions accountable, and bring diverse voices into the conversation.
This guide features a wide range of nonprofit news media—from neighborhood-based reporters in Port Townsend and Washington state to national and international public-interest organizations.
Most are members of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), which helps build and sustain nonprofit newsrooms working to inform the public, not profit from it. INN also provides key commentary and advocacy addressing why nonprofit journalism is vital to democracy’s future.
💡 This guide complements Plainly, Garbl’s companion resource, Local Journalism & Independent News Media, which highlights advocacy groups working to protect journalism and rebuild trust.
Here, I spotlight the newsrooms themselves—the ones still doing the work.
🔹Local Coverage: Washington State
Salish Current, Bellingham
Independent nonprofit newsroom covering public interest stories across Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties, with a focus on civic and environmental issues.
Nonprofit digital newsroom publishing community news, public affairs, and human-interest stories for the Gig Harbor peninsula.
The Jefferson County Beacon, Port Townsend
A worker-directed nonprofit newspaper offering local reporting and commentary. (Gary Larson of Plainly, Garbl serves on the board of the Beacon, which celebrated its first anniversary in April 2025.)
The JOLT (Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater), Olympia
Online nonprofit news site covering local government, environment, and community developments in Thurston County.
My Edmonds News / Lynnwood Today / MLTnews
Sister sites offering daily news and opinion for South Snohomish County, focused on hyperlocal issues.
Key Peninsula News, Vaughn
Community-led nonprofit newspaper publishing monthly print and online stories about people, places, and policies.
🔹Regional Coverage: Pacific Northwest
Cascade PBS, Seattle
Nonprofit public media organization providing in-depth reporting, documentaries, and civic-focused journalism across Washington state.
InvestigateWest, Seattle
Award-winning investigative nonprofit covering health, environment, and equity issues across the Pacific Northwest.
Uplift Local, Forest Grove, Oregon
Emerging nonprofit initiative promoting civic engagement through storytelling in rural and underrepresented communities.
Columbia Insight, Hood River, Oregon
Independent digital publication reporting on environmental topics across the Columbia River Basin and Pacific Northwest.
The Lund Report, Portland
Specialized nonprofit newsroom covering health care policy and outcomes in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Underscore Native News, Portland
Indigenous-centered nonprofit newsroom reporting on Native communities and sovereignty issues across the Pacific Northwest.
High Country News, Paonia, Colorado
Nationally recognized nonprofit magazine covering the American West’s land, people, culture, and environmental politics.
🔹National Coverage
The Imprint, Los Angeles
Nonprofit newsroom investigating child welfare, youth justice, and family issues nationwide.
The Margin, Occidental, California
Nonprofit publication covering systemic inequality and the experiences of marginalized people and places most affected by environmental injustice.
H2O Radio, Denver
Environmental journalism organization using sound-rich storytelling to explore water, climate, and sustainability.
OpenSecrets, Washington, D.C.
Data-driven nonprofit tracking campaign finance, lobbying, and political influence.
Center for Public Integrity, Washington, D.C.
Nonprofit investigative newsroom exposing power imbalances and inequality in the U.S. political and economic systems.
Floodlight, Washington, D.C.
Investigative outlet partnering with local newsrooms to expose corporate polluters and environmental harms.
Center for Sustainable Journalism, Kennesaw, Georgia
A collaborative nonprofit hub focused on youth, education, justice, and civic engagement.
Youth Today – National news and resources covering youth services, policy, and youth development.
The Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE) – In-depth reporting on juvenile justice reform and related systems.
Fresh Take Georgia – Student-powered news service reporting on undercovered issues across Georgia.
Bokeh Focus – Visual journalism platform spotlighting youth perspectives through photography and storytelling.
The War Horse, Richlands, North Carolina
Award-winning nonprofit newsroom covering military service, veterans, and the lasting effects of war.
Next City, Philadelphia
Solutions journalism publication covering urban equity, housing, and infrastructure innovation.
Grist, Seattle
Nonprofit media organization reporting on climate justice, green innovation, and policy solutions with national and global reach.
YES! Magazine, Bainbridge Island
Publisher of solutions journalism focused on justice, sustainability, and equity. (Unfortunately, ceased publication in June 2025.)
🔹Global Coverage
Pulitzer Center, Washington, D.C.
A nonprofit that funds and promotes high-impact global reporting on issues ranging from climate to conflict.
The GroundTruth Project, Boston
A nonprofit journalism organization focused on rebuilding local and international reporting through fellowships and training.
Report for America – Places emerging journalists in local newsrooms across the U.S. to strengthen community coverage.
Report for the World – Supports journalism around the globe by matching local newsrooms with talented reporters.
Investigative Editing Corps, Marietta, Georgia
Matches veteran editors with local newsrooms to build investigative capacity.
Circle of Blue, Traverse City, Michigan
Nonprofit media platform focused on water, climate, and food systems through data-driven journalism.
Sapan News Network, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Independent media collective covering South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, and diasporic communities.
🗣 Defending the Future of Journalism: A Local Newspaper Speaks Out
Save the Free Press Initiative, Seattle Times
The Seattle Times’ Save the Free Press Initiative works to secure a sustainable future for independent local journalism. Led by editorial columnist Brier Dudley, the initiative advocates for reforms, public investment, and stronger policies to protect press freedom and rebuild civic trust.
Dudley’s weekly column, Voices for the Free Press, explores threats to U.S. journalism and highlights practical solutions—often focusing on local media, nonprofit models, newsroom partnerships, and legislative action.
📬 Subscribe to the newsletter
✉️ Contact: bdudley@seattletimes.com
📚 Related Resources
🟦 Local Journalism & Independent News Media
A ranked guide to advocacy groups protecting journalism, rebuilding trust, and sustaining community news.
📰Progressive Media Sources for News, Ideas, & Action
Fact-based journalism with a progressive lens—informing movements, shaping change.
📰 Moderate & Conservative Media Sources to Track
Understanding what influences the center-right—without buying into the spin.
📰 The Truth Toolkit: Fact-Checking Resources for Informed Resistance
Understanding where to find reliable fact-checking resources is more critical than ever.
✍️ Why Journalism Matters—And Why We Must Defend It
Journalism isn’t just about headlines. It’s also about democracy.
Share
If you found this resource useful, please share it with friends.
Subscribe
Get new posts from Plainly, Garbl delivered to your inbox.
Any particular reason for no mention of the Cascadia Daily in Bellingham?
This is a fantastic and much-needed list. Thank you for taking the time to compile it and support these important organizations. The strategy and sustainability of nonprofit media is a topic I find fascinating. I often explore similar themes on my own Substack, "Backstory & Strategy," which you and your readers might find interesting. Thanks again for the great resource!